The clash against Rajasthan Royals does not hold much importance for the Delhi Daredevils, who are virtually out of the race for the play-offs. The Royals too are sitting pretty with 12 points and 4 games in hand. However, the match against a low-on-morale DD presents RR an opportunity to consolidate their position in the top four.

Rajasthan Royals:

The Shane Watson-led side has had mixed fortunes so far in the Pepsi Indian Premier League. They've come up trumps in spectacular fashion (Super Over against KKR, Smith-Faulkner show against RCB) but have also had some dismal shows (failing to chase down 134 against SRH, losing despite scoring 191 against KXIP). Much like their previous seasons, it has predominantly been a team show. They have found different players to help them out at various important stages.

Karun Nair, Ajinkya Rahane, Shane Watson, James Faulkner and Steven Smith have all been amongst the runs and that augurs well for the Royals. However, they are yet to find the right batting order. They have experimented with it by promoting Watson to open the innings along with the lesser-known Ankit Sharma against CSK. While the duo did put on a good opening stand, the shuffling affected the other players. Rahane and Nair did not find it easy batting in the middle overs and Steven Smith did not have enough time to play the finishing role. It left them with a lot more questions than answers. Ideally Rajasthan would want the likes of Watson and Smith to face the maximum number of deliveries but they are yet to find the right way to get them to do it.

On the bowling front, Pravin Tambe has been quite the star. The 42-year old has been the most successful spinner in this year's IPL so far with 14 wickets. He's been ably supported by another veteran, Rajat Bhatia, who has a revelation with his slower than medium-pace. His bowling has been difficult to get away on the slowish tracks and mighty effective for RR. The team that has some of the most valuable uncapped players are sure to start as the favourites against DD.

Delhi Daredevils:

It has been nothing short of an abysmal run so far for Kevin Pietersen's side. The skipper's form has mirrored the team's fortunes as well. They have struggled on all fronts from the openers, to the batting order right down to the bowlers. None have impressed. Having won only two out of their ten games so far, DD's chances are virtually nil now and that has been admitted by Pietersen himself. He had stated that Delhi will be best served looking forward and building a team for the next season. With the situation as it stands, KP will have the extra burden of motivating his players to carry on with full intensity.

On the positive side, it could also help the players to play with a lot more freedom. A struggling Pietersen himself could benefit hugely with the pressure lifted. If he does click, the confidence is bound to rub off on the entire team. They will be looking to spoil the party for the other teams as the race heats up for a place in the play-offs.

Quotes:

We have to build for next season as there's an unrealistic chance of making it to the play-offs - Kevin Pietersen is blunt about the road ahead for DD